If you are craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and wonderfully unique, look no further than this Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls magically combine the earthy vibrance of matcha, the nutty depth of black sesame, and the warm familiarity of cinnamon into one irresistibly soft and fluffy treat. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, a lavish brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is a fresh spin on a classic favorite that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredients that come together to create complex flavor and delightful texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender dough to the luscious filling and the sweet glaze.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation that gives structure and softness to your rolls.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet / 2 ¼ tsp): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and become airy.
- Warm almond milk (¾ cup): A plant-based liquid that activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds just enough sweetness and helps with yeast fermentation.
- Coconut oil (¼ cup melted): Contributes richness and tenderness to the dough and filling.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Matcha powder (2 tbsp): Brings vibrant green color and a refreshing earthy taste to the filling.
- Black sesame paste (½ cup): A nutty, slightly sweet spread that creates a luscious contrast to the matcha.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds depth of sweetness and a bit of molasses flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): The warm spice that keeps the cinnamon rolls comforting and familiar.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the smooth, sweet glaze that crowns the rolls.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Enhances the glaze with a subtle aromatic note.
How to Make Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming your almond milk to a comfortable, lukewarm temperature—not too hot to kill the yeast, but warm enough to wake it up. Mix in the granulated sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the surface becomes foamy. This step ensures your rolls will rise beautifully and be wonderfully fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once the yeast mixture is bubbly and active, pour in your melted coconut oil and gradually add the flour and salt. Stir everything together, then knead the dough on a clean surface for about 8 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and soft to the touch. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm to rise until it doubles in size—about one hour.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
After your dough has puffed up nicely, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about a quarter of an inch thick. This will be the canvas for your delightful filling, so try to keep the shape as even as possible to ensure consistent rolls.
Step 4: Make the Filling and Spread
Combine the black sesame paste, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, matcha powder, and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture. This flavorful blend brings together the earthy bitterness of matcha with the nutty, toasty essence of black sesame and the sweet warmth of cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure every bite will be packed with yum.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Rolls
Starting at the long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. The snugger the roll, the fluffier your cinnamon rolls will be inside. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into about 10 to 12 even slices to create individual rolls. Place these in a greased baking dish with a little space between each to let them expand.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes. In the meantime, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until their tops turn a beautiful golden brown and they smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Glaze the Rolls
While the rolls are baking or cooling slightly, whisk powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and drizzleable. Pour this sweet glaze generously over the warm rolls to add a perfect finishing touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little sparkle visually and texturally, sprinkle some toasted black sesame seeds or a pinch of matcha powder over the glazed rolls. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers can add a pop of color and make your presentation feel extra special for guests or a fancy brunch.
Side Dishes
These rolls are rich and flavorful enough to stand alone but pairing them with a cup of creamy oat milk latte or a chilled glass of fresh green tea creates a harmonious balance to your cozy coffee break. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or kiwi also complement the earthy notes and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe stacked on a tiered stand for a beautiful brunch centerpiece. You can also individually plate them with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of homemade matcha glaze for an elevated dessert feel that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep them soft and prevents drying. For best results, bring them back to room temperature or lightly warm before serving.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating to enjoy fresh flavors anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and soft. Microwaving is faster but may make them a little chewy, so heating in the oven is preferred to maintain their tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use another plant milk instead of almond milk?
Yes! Any unsweetened plant milk like oat, soy, or cashew milk will work just as well and keep the recipe vegan without altering the flavor much.
What if I don’t have black sesame paste?
You can substitute with tahini mixed with a little maple syrup or brown sugar for sweetness. This gives a similar nutty flavor that complements the matcha beautifully.
How strong is the matcha flavor in this recipe?
The matcha flavor here is vibrant but balanced by the black sesame and cinnamon. If you want a bolder matcha taste, feel free to increase the matcha powder slightly for a more punchy green tea aroma.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?
For gluten-free versions, you’ll need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it possible to make these rolls nut-free?
Absolutely! Use a seed-based milk like oat or hemp milk instead of almond milk, and substitute black sesame paste with tahini if you tolerate sesame. Just check all ingredients to avoid nut contamination if allergies are a concern.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is one of those rare gems that feels both adventurous and comforting at the same time. The blend of matcha, black sesame, and cinnamon creates a multilayered flavor experience that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. I promise, once you try these rolls fresh out of the oven with that sweet glaze dripping, you’ll want to make them again and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful plant-based twist on a classic that’s truly unforgettable.
Print
Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these Vegan Matcha Black Sesame Cinnamon Rolls, a unique fusion dessert combining the earthy flavors of matcha and nutty black sesame with the warmth of cinnamon. Crafted with plant-based ingredients, these soft, fluffy rolls offer a perfect dairy-free treat, featuring a creamy glaze drizzled over golden baked rolls.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm almond milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- ¼ tsp salt
Filling
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
- ½ cup black sesame paste
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp almond milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm almond milk and granulated sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the melted coconut oil, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly and knead the dough on a clean surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick, preparing it for the filling spread.
- Make and Spread Filling: Mix black sesame paste, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, matcha powder, and ground cinnamon until combined into a spreadable paste. Evenly spread this mixture over the rolled-out dough.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 10–12 even rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes in a warm spot.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm baked rolls just before serving to add sweetness and a delicate finish.
Notes
- You can substitute black sesame paste with tahini mixed with a little maple syrup for a different but delicious flavor.
- For a stronger matcha flavor, increase the amount of matcha powder slightly in the filling.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
